Kerala Art and Craft

Kerala
is a land of artistic people. It is almost like the natives of Kerala
have art in their blood. The variety of arts and crafts in Kerala is
very lively and emphasize a lot on the use of colors. You will find
intricate designs and vibrant details on Kerala art and craft. In fact,
handicrafts in Kerala are pretty much popular and there is a whole
festival dedicated just to handicrafts.

Kerala is renowned for its carvings in metal and wood like rosewood and
sandalwood, metal jewellery, granite statues, coconut shell and coir
products, snake boat model and other collectibles. A very famous product
of handicraft is the wooden face of a Kathakali dancer that is available
easily on any roadside shop. It comes in a variety of colors, sizes and
shapes. Another famous and popular item for an art collector is figures
and paintings of elephants. Elephants are as common as coconut trees in
Kerala! These adorable creatures have caught the eye of each and every
artist. Statues and paintings of elephants are available all over
Kerala.

The musical instruments for traditional dance forms are also a form of
art. These instruments are handmade and often are carved out of a single
piece of wood. Most of these handicrafts are sold overseas due to
popular demand. Among those exported are items like refined and polished
coconut ashtrays, lamp stands, vases, coir carpets and floor mats,
purses and cane furniture. Apart from these, local craftsmen also make
beautiful ornamented headgears for elephants.